Shrimp cocktail is always a favorite in my house, as it’s delicious, elegant, and perfect for all sorts of occasions. I serve it for New Year’s to the Super Bowl, it’s always great! I make Air Fryer Shrimp Cocktail because it’s fast, simple, and always turns out just right with little fuss!
What is Air Fryer Shrimp Cocktail?
Shrimp cocktail is a classic appetizer consisting of chilled, cooked shrimp served with a tangy and flavorful cocktail sauce, typically made with ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, and spices.
It’s best known for its elegant presentation and refreshing taste, which makes it a popular choice for holiday gatherings, dinner parties, and special occasions.
Cooking the shrimp for shrimp cocktail in an air fryer offers a unique twist on the traditional preparation. This method is not only quick and convenient but also eliminates the need for boiling or sautéing, which can sometimes overcook the shrimp.
I like to mix my cocktail sauce while the shrimp are cooking, making it incredibly simple for entertaining!
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Ingredients Needed
- 1 pound raw shrimp (deveined, tails on, defrosted if frozen)
- 1 tsp olive oil
- ½ tsp Old Bay seasoning (or to taste)
For the Cocktail Sauce
- ½ cup ketchup
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp prepared horseradish (or to taste)
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- Any size of shrimp is fine, though shrimp cocktail is usually made with “Large” or bigger shrimp (X-Large, Jumbo, or Colossal). You may need to adjust cooking times slightly for different sizes. I’m using X-Large (26-30 count per pound) so my times are based on that
- Make sure to get raw shrimp and not pre-cooked. You will get better flavor from cooking your own!
- While you can use frozen shrimp, it is best to defrost them so that you can season them before cooking. However, you could always cook frozen shrimp for 2-3 minutes to take off the ice, remove and season, and then replace them into your air fryer
- Feel free to use plain salt and pepper to taste instead of the Old Bay, or substitute another seasoning blend of choice. Creole or Cajun seasoning are also great options!
- All ingredients in the cocktail sauce are adjustable to taste. You can use other herbs and spices for flavor as well, like parsley, onion powder, celery salt, Old Bay, or add some hot sauce for a kick or brown sugar for some sweetness!
How to Peel and Devein Shrimp
While I personally find it easier to purchase shrimp that’s already peeled and deveined for convenience, you can also certainly do it yourself if you get whole shrimp! Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Peeling Shrimp
- Remove the Shell: Hold the shrimp firmly with one hand and use your other hand to gently pull off the legs. Once the legs are removed, the shell should peel away easily. Start at the head and work down to the tail
- Keep the Tail: If you prefer a more elegant presentation (which is traditional for shrimp cocktail), leave the tail on. For a fully peeled shrimp, pinch the tail and pull it off
Deveining Shrimp
- Locate the Vein: The vein is the dark, sand-like line running along the shrimp’s back. It’s part of the digestive tract and is typically removed for better presentation and taste
- Make a Shallow Cut: Using a paring knife, make a shallow incision along the back of the shrimp from head to tail
- Remove the Vein: Gently lift the vein out with the tip of the knife or a toothpick. If the vein breaks, rinse the shrimp under cold water to remove any remaining pieces
Rinse and Pat Dry
After peeling and deveining, rinse the shrimp under cold water to remove any residue. Pat them dry with paper towels before cooking.
This process ensures the shrimp are clean, tender, and ready for your shrimp cocktail recipe!
Step By Step Instructions
- Wash your peeled and deveined shrimp and pat dry. Toss them in a large bowl with the olive oil and the Old Bay seasoning, until evenly coated
- Place the shrimp into your air fryer’s basket or rack in a single layer
- Cook on the air fry setting at 400°F for 6 minutes. Shrimp is done when it is pink and opaque, and internal temperature reaches 145°F (per the USDA). Add additional time as needed in 1-minute increments to prevent overcooking
- While the shrimp is cooking, combine all ingredients for the cocktail sauce in a small dish. Stir well, test, and adjust seasonings (including horseradish) to your liking. You can do this up to 3 days in advance, if preferred
- Cool cooked shrimp and store in the fridge until ready to serve! Garnish with fresh lemon wedges if desired
What to Serve With Shrimp Cocktail
Shrimp cocktail pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments to really elevate your appetizer and happy hour offerings. Here are some of my favorite things to serve alongside shrimp cocktail:
Dipping Sauces
- Classic Cocktail Sauce: A must-have, combining ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, and spices for a tangy kick
- Garlic Aioli: A creamy, garlicky alternative for a richer dipping experience
- Sweet Chili Sauce: For those who enjoy a hint of sweetness with a touch of heat
Side Dishes
- Crudité Platter: Crisp vegetables like celery, carrots, and bell peppers provide a refreshing crunch
- Crackers or Breadsticks: Lightly salted crackers or crunchy breadsticks offer a neutral base to balance the shrimp’s briny flavor
- Citrus Salad: A zesty salad with orange or grapefruit segments complements the shrimp’s natural sweetness!
Beverage Pairings
- Sparkling Wine or Champagne: The bubbles cut through the richness of the shrimp and cocktail sauce. Try my Limoncello French 75 for a perfect option!
- Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works well with the shrimp’s delicate flavor
- Light Beer: A pilsner or lager offers a refreshing counterpoint to the tangy sauce
Additional Garnishes
- Lemon Wedges: Essential for squeezing over the shrimp for added brightness
- Fresh Herbs: Parsley or dill can be sprinkled for a touch of elegance
- Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado pairs beautifully with the shrimp’s texture and flavor
Recipe FAQs
Can You Air Fry Frozen Shrimp?
Yes, you can air fry frozen shrimp directly without defrosting them first. However, for better seasoning adherence and even cooking, it’s recommended to defrost the shrimp beforehand.
If cooking straight from frozen, adjust the cooking time slightly (usually by 1-2 minutes) to ensure they are fully cooked through.
How Do You Defrost Shrimp Quickly?
To defrost shrimp quickly, place them in a colander and run cold water over them for about 5–10 minutes, gently separating any clumps. Alternatively, you can submerge them in a bowl of cold water, changing the water every few minutes until the shrimp are thawed.
Avoid using hot water, as it can partially cook the shrimp and alter their texture.
How Long Do Thawed Shrimp Take In The Air Fryer?
Shrimp typically take 6–8 minutes to cook in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C), depending on their size.
Keep an eye on them, as overcooking can make the shrimp rubbery.
How To Tell If Shrimp Is Fully Cooked?
Shrimp are fully cooked when they turn pink and opaque, with a slight curl (C shape) to them.
Avoid shrimp that are tightly curled (and O shape), as this indicates overcooking.
Recipe Tips For the Best Air Fryer Shrimp Cocktail
- I do not preheat my air fryer for this recipe, and my shrimp were cooked after 6 minutes total. If you preheat, reduce cooking time to 4 minutes and check the shrimp. Cooking times will naturally vary between air fryers and shrimp sizes, so adjust in small increments as needed!
- To keep your shrimp colder for a party, feel free to serve them on a bed of ice!
- You can also use this recipe to prepare shrimp for shrimp salad, shrimp tacos, and more!
Storage and Preparation Tips
- You can both cook the shrimp and make the cocktail sauce up to 3 days in advance for easy entertaining! Simply store each in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve (make sure to let the shrimp cool completely after cooking before refrigerating as well)
- Feel free to serve your shrimp cocktail with parsley for decoration, and/or some fresh lemon wedges to add a burst of lemon to the seafood just before serving!
- Bang Bang Shrimp Egg Rolls in the Air Fryer
Final Thoughts
This easy and delicious air fryer shrimp cocktail is the perfect appetizer for New Year’s, your Super Bowl party, or anytime you want a tasty seafood snack with an elegant presentation.
Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and homemade shrimp cocktail sauce to really take this simple recipe to the next level! Best of all, you can make both in advance, making for easy and stress-free entertaining.
Making air-fried shrimp is my favorite preparation, since I think it tastes better than boiling, and doesn’t require standing over the stove like sauteeing does. Plus, even if you overcook them a little, I find the air fryer to be more forgiving so the shrimp are still tasty!
Air Fryer Shrimp Cocktail (With Homemade Cocktail Sauce)
Equipment
- Spatula (or spoon)
Ingredients
- 1 pound raw shrimp (deveined, tails on, defrosted if frozen)
- 1 tsp olive oil
- ½ tsp Old Bay seasoning (or to taste)
For the Cocktail Sauce
- ½ cup ketchup
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp prepared horseradish (or to taste)
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper (or to taste)
Instructions
- Wash your peeled and deveined shrimp and pat dry. Toss them in a large bowl with the olive oil and the Old Bay seasoning, until evenly coated1 pound raw shrimp, 1 tsp olive oil, ½ tsp Old Bay seasoning
- Place the shrimp into your air fryer’s basket or rack in a single layer
- Cook on the air fry setting at 400°F for 6 minutes. Shrimp is done when it is pink and opaque, and internal temperature reaches 145°F (per the USDA). Add additional time as needed in 1-minute increments to prevent overcooking
- While the shrimp is cooking, combine all ingredients for the cocktail sauce in a small dish. Stir well, test, and adjust seasonings (including horseradish) to your liking. You can do this up to 3 days in advance, if preferred½ cup ketchup, 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp prepared horseradish, 1 tsp lemon juice, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper
- Cool cooked shrimp and store in the fridge until ready to serve! Garnish with fresh lemon wedges if desired
Notes
- Any size of shrimp is fine, though shrimp cocktail is usually made with “Large” or bigger shrimp (X-Large, Jumbo, or Colossal). You may need to adjust cooking times slightly for different sizes. I’m using X-Large (26-30 count per pound) so my times are based on that
- Make sure to get raw shrimp and not pre-cooked. You will get better flavor from cooking your own!
- While you can use frozen shrimp, it is best to defrost them so that you can season them before cooking. However, you could always cook frozen shrimp for 2-3 minutes to take off the ice, remove and season, and then replace them into your air fryer
- Feel free to use plain salt and pepper to taste instead of the Old Bay, or substitute another seasoning blend of choice. Creole or Cajun seasoning are also great options!
- All ingredients in the cocktail sauce are adjustable to taste. You can use other herbs and spices for flavor as well, like parsley, onion powder, celery salt, Old Bay, or add some hot sauce for a kick or brown sugar for some sweetness!
- I do not preheat my Ninja air fryer for this recipe, and my shrimp were cooked after 6 minutes total. If you preheat, reduce cooking time to 4 minutes to start and check the shrimp. Cooking times will naturally vary between air fryers and shrimp sizes, so adjust in small increments as needed!
- You can both cook the shrimp and make the cocktail sauce up to 3 days in advance for easy entertaining! Simply store each in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand, size, and flavor of ingredients, how much sauce is used, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
